It is estimated more than 9,000 homes in North Somerset are in fuel poverty, where families are forced to choose between food and heating.

The figures, from National Energy Action, show 10 per cent of households in North Somerset are plunged below the poverty line after paying their energy bills.

Mr Penrose previously told the Mercury: “Vulnerable and elderly customers are more likely to be on these bad tariffs than anyone else. Which, for a retirement town like Weston, spells trouble.”

It is estimated in real terms, energy prices have risen by more than 90 per cent in the past 15 years. Customers of the six biggest energy suppliers have also seen their bills increase by up to 10 per cent in the past 12 months.

It is expected the cap will not come into effect until the start of 2019 at the earliest, because the bill will still need to go through several stages in Parliament.

If it is passed, it will remain in place until the end of 2020, although the energy regulator Ofgem will be able to extend it until the end of 2023.